Top 7 Backpacker Hostels in Tokyo: Budget-Friendly Stays

Discover Tokyo’s best budget accommodations for backpackers. From traditional Japanese-style hostels to modern capsule hotels, find your perfect base to explore Japan’s vibrant capital. Read on for detailed reviews, amenities, and insider tips to make the most of your Tokyo adventure. Hotel names are linked to their official websites.

1. Khaosan Tokyo Samurai

Price Range: $20-$40 USD per night
Room Types: Mixed dorms (4-8 beds), female-only dorms, private rooms
Rating: 4.4/5.0
Location: 1-13-5 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032
Distance from Airport: 60 km from Narita Airport, 25 km from Haneda Airport
Transportation: 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Ginza Line, Asakusa Line)
Check-in/Check-out: 3:00 PM / 11:00 AM
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception, communal kitchen, lounge area, rooftop terrace, laundry facilities, luggage storage
Meals: No meals provided, but kitchen available for self-catering
Nearby Attractions: Sensoji Temple (10-minute walk), Tokyo Skytree (20-minute walk)

Reviews Summary: “The rooftop offers an amazing view of the Tokyo Skytree!” “Staff were incredibly friendly and helpful with local recommendations.” “The hostel has a great traditional Japanese atmosphere.” “Rooms are a bit small, but that’s expected in Tokyo.” “Location is perfect for exploring Asakusa and easy access to other parts of Tokyo.”

Pros:

Excellent location in historic Asakusa
Rooftop terrace with great views
Friendly and knowledgeable staff
Traditional Japanese atmosphere

Cons:

Rooms can be small
No meals provided
Bathrooms can get busy during peak hours

1. Khaosan Tokyo Samurai

2. UNPLAN Kagurazaka

Price Range: $30-$60 USD per night
Room Types: Mixed dorms (4-8 beds), female-only dorms, private rooms
Rating: 4.6/5.0
Location: 4-16-8 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0825
Distance from Airport: 70 km from Narita Airport, 20 km from Haneda Airport
Transportation: 3-minute walk from Kagurazaka Station (Tozai Line)
Check-in/Check-out: 4:00 PM / 11:00 AM
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception, café, co-working space, lounge, laundry facilities, bicycle rental
Meals: Breakfast available for 500 yen
Nearby Attractions: Kagurazaka Street (1-minute walk), Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (25-minute walk)

Reviews Summary: “The design of the hostel is modern and stylish.” “The café serves great coffee and is a nice place to work.” “Beds are comfortable with privacy curtains and individual power outlets.” “Location in Kagurazaka is charming and less touristy.” “Staff were always friendly and ready to help with any questions.”

Pros:

Modern and stylish design
Great location in a charming Tokyo neighborhood
On-site café and co-working space
Comfortable beds with privacy features

Cons:

Slightly higher price point
Can be a bit far from major tourist attractions
Limited common kitchen facilities

2. UNPLAN Kagurazaka

3. Book and Bed Tokyo Shinjuku

Price Range: $25-$50 USD per night
Room Types: Bookshelf beds (capsule-style), compact rooms
Rating: 4.3/5.0
Location: 1-27-5 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0021
Distance from Airport: 75 km from Narita Airport, 25 km from Haneda Airport
Transportation: 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station (multiple lines)
Check-in/Check-out: 4:00 PM / 11:00 AM
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception, book collection, lounge area, shared bathrooms, lockers
Meals: No meals provided, but there’s a café on-site
Nearby Attractions: Shinjuku Golden Gai (5-minute walk), Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (15-minute walk)

Reviews Summary: “The concept of sleeping in a bookshelf is unique and fun!” “Perfect location for exploring Shinjuku’s nightlife.” “The hostel is quiet despite being in a busy area.” “Beds are cozy but can feel claustrophobic for some.” “Staff were helpful and the book collection is impressive.”

Pros:

Unique concept combining books and accommodation
Excellent location in the heart of Shinjuku
Quiet atmosphere despite central location
Great for book lovers

Cons:

Limited space in sleeping areas
Shared bathrooms only
Not suitable for those with claustrophobia

3. Book and Bed Tokyo Shinjuku

4. Emblem Hostel Nishiarai

Price Range: $18-$40 USD per night
Room Types: Mixed dorms (6-12 beds), female-only dorms, private rooms
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Location: 1-5-6 Umeda, Adachi-ku, Tokyo 123-0851
Distance from Airport: 65 km from Narita Airport, 30 km from Haneda Airport
Transportation: 1-minute walk from Nishiarai Station (Tobu Skytree Line)
Check-in/Check-out: 4:00 PM / 11:00 AM
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception, communal kitchen, lounge, bar, laundry facilities, bicycle rental
Meals: Breakfast available for 500 yen, bar serves food and drinks
Nearby Attractions: Nishiarai Daishi Temple (10-minute walk), Adachi Park of Living Things (20-minute walk)

Reviews Summary: “The hostel has a great community vibe with regular events.” “Very clean and well-maintained facilities.” “The bar is a great place to meet other travelers.” “Location is a bit far from central Tokyo, but well-connected by train.” “Staff go above and beyond to make guests feel welcome.”

Pros:

Strong community atmosphere with events
Clean and modern facilities
On-site bar for socializing
Excellent value for money

Cons:

Location is outside central Tokyo
Larger dorms can be noisy
Limited food options in the immediate area

4. Emblem Hostel Nishiarai

5. Kaisu Hostel

Price Range: $30-$70 USD per night
Room Types: Mixed dorms (4-8 beds), female-only dorms, private rooms
Rating: 4.7/5.0
Location: 2-16-13 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052
Distance from Airport: 70 km from Narita Airport, 20 km from Haneda Airport
Transportation: 5-minute walk from Akasaka Station (Chiyoda Line)
Check-in/Check-out: 3:00 PM / 11:00 AM
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception, café/bar, lounge, shared kitchen, laundry facilities
Meals: Breakfast available for 800 yen, café serves meals throughout the day
Nearby Attractions: Akasaka Sacas (10-minute walk), Tokyo Midtown (15-minute walk)

Reviews Summary: “The hostel is beautifully designed with a great blend of modern and traditional elements.” “Staff are exceptionally friendly and helpful.” “The café serves delicious food and is a great place to relax.” “Beds are comfortable and the dorms are spacious.” “Location is convenient for exploring Tokyo, with many restaurants nearby.”

Pros:

Beautiful design with attention to detail
Excellent location in upscale Akasaka
High-quality on-site café
Spacious and comfortable rooms

Cons:

Higher price point than some hostels
Can be quiet, not ideal for party-seekers
Limited number of beds, books up quickly

5. Kaisu Hostel

6. Sakura Hotel Jimbocho

Price Range: $25-$60 USD per night
Room Types: Mixed dorms (4-8 beds), private rooms
Rating: 4.2/5.0
Location: 2-21-4 Kanda-Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051
Distance from Airport: 65 km from Narita Airport, 25 km from Haneda Airport
Transportation: 2-minute walk from Jimbocho Station (Hanzomon, Mita, Shinjuku Lines)
Check-in/Check-out: 3:00 PM / 10:00 AM
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception, café, shared kitchen, lounge, laundry facilities
Meals: Breakfast available for 400 yen, café open 24/7
Nearby Attractions: Jimbocho Book Town (immediate area), Imperial Palace (20-minute walk)

Reviews Summary: “The location in Jimbocho is perfect for book lovers.” “Staff are multilingual and very helpful with travel advice.” “The 24-hour café is convenient for late-night snacks.” “Rooms are basic but clean and functional.” “Great value for money in a central Tokyo location.”

Pros:

Excellent location for exploring central Tokyo
24-hour café on-site
Multilingual staff
Good value for money

Cons:

Rooms and facilities are basic
Can be noisy due to thin walls
Limited social atmosphere compared to some hostels

6. Sakura Hotel Jimbocho

7. Wise Owl Hostels Tokyo

Price Range: $25-$55 USD per night
Room Types: Mixed dorms (4-10 beds), female-only dorms, private rooms
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Location: 2-14-13 Kanda Sakumacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0025
Distance from Airport: 65 km from Narita Airport, 25 km from Haneda Airport
Transportation: 5-minute walk from Akihabara Station (multiple lines)
Check-in/Check-out: 3:00 PM / 11:00 AM
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception, bar, lounge, shared kitchen, laundry facilities
Meals: Breakfast available for 500 yen, bar serves food and drinks
Nearby Attractions: Akihabara Electric Town (5-minute walk), Kanda Myojin Shrine (10-minute walk)

Reviews Summary: “The bar is a great place to meet other travelers and locals.” “Very clean and modern facilities with comfortable beds.” “Perfect location for anime and technology fans.” “Staff are friendly and organize fun events.” “Good balance between social atmosphere and quiet spaces.”

Pros: